Everton vs Bournemouth

The preseason friendly between Everton and Bournemouth on 26 July 2025 at MetLife Stadium turned into a showcase of sharp finishing from the Cherries, who ran out 3-0 winners after a balanced first half. In a lively setting as part of the Premier League Summer Series, the opening 45 minutes saw both sides rotate heavily, with Everton experimenting at the back while Bournemouth slowly built rhythm, but the breakthrough had to wait until the second half when the tempo of the match rose dramatically.

Once the game resumed after the interval, Bournemouth seized control in a blistering 15-minute period. Philip Billing broke the deadlock with a stunning drive from the edge of the box, a strike that set the tone for the remainder of the half. Only four minutes later, Dango Ouattara doubled the advantage by curling a precise finish into the corner, punishing a momentary lapse from the Toffees’ back line. The third and final blow came from Daniel Adu‑Adjei, who pounced on a poor back pass, rounded Jordan Pickford, and calmly slotted home to seal the result before Everton could respond.

Everton struggled to find answers, and their experimental defensive pairing was exposed by Bournemouth’s fluid attack. New signing Tim Iroegbunam injected energy from the bench and was one of the few bright sparks for Sean Dyche’s side, while several regulars including Branthwaite and Tarkowski sat out the match. The team’s inability to cope with Bournemouth’s quick transitions highlighted how much work remains before the Premier League season kicks off.

For Bournemouth, the night underlined their attacking depth and composure. The trio of goalscorers combined individual brilliance with a strong collective display, while the second-half substitutions added extra pace and control. Against the backdrop of a humid New Jersey evening, this friendly served as a statement of intent for Andoni Iraola’s men, who looked sharper and more prepared as the tour in the United States continues.